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Istanbul TRAVEL GUIDE AND DEALS

Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul – three names for the one great city that straddles the Bosphorus, with one foot in Asia and the other in Europe. The Turkish capital until it shifted to Ankara in 1923, Istanbul is still far and away the country’s most exciting, beautiful, and historically interesting town.

Why Go

Because it claims three ancient empires, two continents, and a mesmerizing cultural identity on display in its many markets and cafés.

Istanbul Travel Guide: Deals to Istanbul | Istanbul Neighborhoods | Things to do in Istanbul | Istanbul Hotels | Istanbul Restaurants | Istanbul Nightlife | Istanbul Shopping | Istanbul Day Trips | When to go to Istanbul | Getting to Istanbul | Istanbul Tips | Istanbul Additional Resources | Istanbul Slideshow

See Also: Asia | Turkey | Istanbul

$745+: Athens and Istanbul getaway w/flights EuropeanDestinations.com

Up to 75% off: Last-min cruises to Caribbean & more VacationsToGo.com

$160/nt+: 4-star Sirkeci Konak Expedia

$182/nt+: 5-star Hyatt Regency Istanbul Expedia

$171/nt+: 5-star Radisson SAS Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul Expedia

Istanbul Hotels

Istanbul’s accommodations range from familiar five-star chains in the $500/night range to small family-run pensions for $100/night or less. A growing number of hotels are bedding down in historic buildings. Staying in Sultanahmet puts you a stone’s throw from most major sights, although business travelers and nightclubbers might prefer modern Beyoglu.

= Smart Splurge

= Great Value

ALL
LUXURY
MODERATE
BUDGET
HIP & TRENDY

A'jia
This boutique property in a former 19th-century mansion on the Bosporus is part of the chic new generation of hotels that have... luxury | boutique hotel

Ayasofya Pansiyonlari
This ‘hotel’ is really a cobbled street of nine restored 19th century wooden houses furnished Ottoman style... luxury | historic

Ciragan Palace Kempinski
For us, the Çiragan Palace Kempinski has the edge over its other magnificent, expensive competitors, because it is... smart splurge | expensive | smart luxury winner

Four Seasons Istanbul
Today it is hard to believe that this luxury palace, and one of Istanbul’s best hotels, once housed dissidents and... family | smart splurge | historic | expensive

Sofa hotel
Istanbul has become home to one of the world’s most vibrant nightlife scenes and many of the party people who make their...

Sumahan on the Water
Housed in a former distillery with incredible views of Bosporus bridge and the city (especially at night), the hotel was the... views | expensive

Empress Zoe
This smaller property in Sultanahmet stands out against the other tiny guesthouses and hostels in the old part of Istanbul,... trendy | great value

Lush Hip hotel
Themed properties can prove gimmicky and uninspired but these 22 individually designed rooms (including Anatolian, Pop Art,... design | trendy | great value

Anemon Galata
This property’s two main assets are the incredible views, especially from the glassed-in dining room on the top floor,...

Sebnem
Small, and pleasingly decorated, this hotel’s 15 rooms (each with private bath and A, C) are just off Akbiyik Caddesi,... family

Side Hotel and Pension
Steps from the Blue Mosque and Topkapi palace, this family-run establishment offers comfortable rooms (request one with... family

Yesil EV (Green House)
Location location location. Despite its relatively humble price tag, Yesil Ev has the address a five-star hotel might envy... great location

Ansen 130
This ten-room hotel in a beautiful townhouse in Tunel, one of Istanbul’s up-and-coming neighborhoods, manages to combine... great value

Bentley Hotel
Only a 10-minute walk to Taksim, the Bentley has become a media hotspot for travelers in town to experience the... design

Sari Konak
Family-run and thoughtfully managed, this hotel is located in a restored wooden townhouse close to the Blue Mosque. The views... family

A'jia
This boutique property in a former 19th-century mansion on the Bosporus is part of the chic new generation of hotels that have... trendy | boutique hotel

Ayasofya Pansiyonlari
This ‘hotel’ is really a cobbled street of nine restored 19th century wooden houses furnished Ottoman style... moderate | historic

Ciragan Palace Kempinski
For us, the Çiragan Palace Kempinski has the edge over its other magnificent, expensive competitors, because it is... smart splurge | expensive | smart luxury winner

Four Seasons Istanbul
Today it is hard to believe that this luxury palace, and one of Istanbul’s best hotels, once housed dissidents and... family | smart splurge | historic | expensive

Sofa hotel
Istanbul has become home to one of the world’s most vibrant nightlife scenes and many of the party people who make their...

Sumahan on the Water
Housed in a former distillery with incredible views of Bosporus bridge and the city (especially at night), the hotel was the... views | expensive

A'jia
This boutique property in a former 19th-century mansion on the Bosporus is part of the chic new generation of hotels that have... luxury | boutique hotel

Empress Zoe
This smaller property in Sultanahmet stands out against the other tiny guesthouses and hostels in the old part of Istanbul,... moderate | great value

Lush Hip hotel
Themed properties can prove gimmicky and uninspired but these 22 individually designed rooms (including Anatolian, Pop Art,... moderate | design | great value